Virginia Fishing Report for the Chesapeake Bay, Tributaries and Offshore Updated January 25, 2008
By Julie Ball and other Tidal Fish Reporters
Published: January 25, 2008

Virginia Beach, Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel and Offshore Fishing Report
by Tidal Fish Correspondent Julie Ball

The abundant striped bass along the Mid Atlantic coast right now is keeping anglers of in hot pursuit of Virginia’s best known species. According to many publications, Virginia is one of the best places in the world to catch a striped bass. And a Fred Barnes of Chesapeake probably could not agree more. As of this week, Fred is now the proud applicant for the new Virginia State Record striped bass. He weighed in a 73-pound beast at the Virginia Beach Fishing Center Wednesday afternoon. Fred caught this fish of a lifetime while trolling near the 4A buoy off Virginia Beach. He and his crew were aboard the private boat, the “Country Girl” skippered by Captain Pat Foster. He calmly explained that after the fish hit the red and white Stretch 30, the 10-minute fight was “not much”, and he was surprised to see that the fish was so large. And large it is; large enough to shatter the current 68-pound, 1oz record caught in 2006 off False Cape, Virginia. Although not monsters, other anglers are finding some big fish as well. Reports of striped bass weighing in over 40-pounds are coming from the same vicinity, ranging from Smith Island to south of False Cape. Beehives of birds and plentiful bait is signaling that it is a good time to target these fish. Most boats are scoring with fish ranging from 20 to 35-pounds without much effort. The chopper bluefish also made a swing back inshore, adding a little variety for the trolling fleet.

Speckled trout and puppy drum are still giving shallow water anglers some good action within Rudee Inlet. Nothing huge this week, but these feisty fish are still a blast on light tackle. The latest lure of choice for both species is the chartreuse Gulp Swimming Mullets. For bigger speckled trout, most anglers are heading to the Elizabeth River where tolling, live bait fishing and casting lures is productive this week. John Fauci of Norfolk tricked a nice 5lb speck while fishing in the Hot Ditch area this week, using a live mullet for bait. Bayside Bait and Tackle reports that after dark speckled trout activity at the HRBT is still on, and some fish are pushing up to seven pounds. Most anglers are finding these fish hanging around the jetties, where a cast Storm lure, Mirrolure, or other swimming shad, is working the best.

The offshore seabass bite is on the upswing. If the weather permits, a trip to deeper water wrecks can provide good numbers of decent sized fish. Most any offering will work, but fresh bait is always the best choice. A few chopper bluefish are also still on the prowl near these wrecks, along with annoying dogfish which will happily take your bait. Some deep water locations are also holding blueline tilefish. Tilefish provide a great-tug of-war, and some nice sized fish are available. But to earn a Virginia state citation, you must reach ten pounds which is a large tilefish, and a long run to reach them by boat.

Bottom bouncers do not necessarily need to head offshore for a good catch of bottom fish. Near shore wrecks and bay structures are still producing good numbers of tautog. Many anglers are reporting limits of fish from these areas, which is four per person this year. Favorites tog spots include the tubes of the artificial islands of the Bay Bridge tunnel, Cape Henry, and the Chesapeake Light Tower structures. The Triangle wrecks should become more productive within a few weeks as the in shore bite slows.

With some decent weather beginning to materialize, a few boats may venture to the deep, in search of the mighty swordfish. Reports are scattered, but some warm water has pushed in close enough to peak angler’s interest in making the run to check it out.

Julie

 

Wachapreague Fishing Report from Virginia's Eastern Shore
by Kevin of Lyn B Sportfishing - TidalFish.com Correspondent

No Fishing Report filed this week

Kevin of Lyn B Sportfishing, a 34ft custom sport fisherman Captained by Bill Bowen. They offer inshore, wreck and offshore fishing adventures. Fishing from the Wachapreague, Wachapreague . Call 757-787-1074 to book a trip.

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LATERAL LINE
Technical Year-Round Fishing Clothing made for Striped Bass Anglers. Click here to check it out

Jil Carrie Fishing with Capt. Jim Brincefield
Book your charters today to catch BIG Striped Bass in VIrginia Beach and the CBBT area 2007-2008 Fishing Season!

Useful Virginia Fishing Related Links

Past Virginia Fishing Reports
Check out past Virginia Fishing Reports covering the Virginia Chesapeake Bay, Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel, Inshore Atlantic Ocean, and Offshore Atlantic Ocean.

Virginia Tidal Fish Message Board
Daily reports, fishing talk on how to, rigging, techniques etc.. covering the CBBT, Virginia Beach and Virginia Ocean Coastal Fishing areas

Virginia's Northern Neck Message Board
Daily reports, fishing talk on how to, rigging, techniques etc.. covering the Northern Neck of Virginia

Virginia Tide Information
NOAA Tide Information for Virginia Tidal Waters

Virginia Fishing Regulations
Make sure to check these before you head out

Buy your Virginia Fishing License Online
Click above to get your Virginia Fishing License Online

Virginia Public Boat Ramps Locations and Map
Please read the information about each ramp to understand if you need a permit.

Virginia Fishing Fish Citations Page
Check out Virginia Fish Citations and if you catch one find information here on how to register it

NOAA Real Time Marine Forecasts and Buoy Reports
Real time Buoy data and Marine Forecasts for different locations in the Chesapeake Bay

Rutgers University's Sea Surface Temperature of Chesapeake Bay Region and Offshore Waters
Great site to check out sea surface temperatures which are vital to know for fishing

Virginia Fishing Charters and Fishing Guides

Lyn B Sportfishing, a 34ft custom sport fisherman Captained by Bill Bowen. They offer inshore, wreck and offshore fishing adventures. Fishing from the Wachapreague Town Marina, Wachapreague VA . Call 757-787-1074 to book a trip!

Cory Ruthless Routh Kayak Charter Fishing- Tidal Fish Sponsor
If you love Kayak fishing and catching fish, visit Cory Ruthless Routh's Kayak Charter Service. You'll fish some of the most productive waters on the east coast and Cory will put you on fish. Depending on the season you can catch Puppy Drum (Redfish), Striped Bass, Blue Fish, Flounder, Trout, or Croaker

* If you have a link that you would like to suggest that would be helpful to anglers please email me 1) the name of the site, 2) the exact URL, and 3) a short description of the information the site provides.